Five common cat behaviors revealed

Updated 3:24 pm, Monday, January 27, 2014

SAN ANTONIO — Don't understand cats? Here are five insights into common cat behaviors that will improve your feline IQ.

It may seem natural for cats to cover their poop in a litter box, but ever wonder why some cats may not cover up their poop at all?

Cats use poop, much like urine, to mark and claim their territories. In multicat households, one feline may show dominance by leaving poop uncovered in the litter box. That's because covering poop is a submissive behavior in the wild that throws off predators and honors established feline hierarchies.

“In an undisturbed home, all domestic cats see themselves as subordinates of their human owners, so under normal circumstances, all domestic cats use litter trays or bury their feces in the garden,” says Desmond Morris in his book, “Catlore.”

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Your cat may want to cover the food's smell or simply save it for later. Lions and other big cats sometimes bury their “kills” to eat later. Feral cats also have been observed burying their food. Some pet owners say their cats drag in socks and other items to cover up and hide their food bowls.

Why does your cat raise her hind end and drop her front legs?

If she hasn't been fixed and is hollering, this posture is a sign that your kitty is in heat. If she has been fixed, she is asking you to scratch her back just before and above the tail. It's a sweet spot that many cats can't reach but like to have rubbed.

Why does your cat roll around on her back?

She may have gotten a whiff of cat nip or found a sunny spot that has made her happy. Your instinct may be to give your joyful feline a belly-rub. Better beware; in this position it's a protective instinct to grab your approaching arm with all four paws and nails protruded. Relax your arm until she releases her hold, and then slowly pull away. Otherwise, you will get scratched.

Speaking of relaxation, why do felines snooze on newspapers, books and your lap?

Felines are naturally attracted to relaxed humans. When you sit down to watch television, read or check your email, your feline friend can feel the calm in the air. No need to ever call her to you. Just sit, relax and ta-da, your cat will magically appear.

Beat the heat

Did you know a female cat can have up to three litters per year and at least three to four kittens per litter? If you love her, you will fix her. And in February, you can fix her for just $20 during the San Antonio Humane Society's and SpaySA's Beat the Heat campaigns, funded by PetSmart Charities. Appointments are limited.

Send your pet stories and questions to cathy@petpundit. com. You can read her blog, Animals Matter, at http://blog.my sanantonio.com/animals/. Cathy is the author of several children's books.